Pierce Brosnan and Helen Mirren Embrace Creative Freedom in 'MobLand' Season 2

Pierce Brosnan and Helen Mirren, reprising their roles as Conrad and Maeve Harrigan in the second season of 'MobLand,' are relishing the expansive and unrestricted nature of their characters. The crime drama, which features an ensemble cast including Tom Hardy, Paddy Considine, and Janet McTeer, delves deeper into the complex family dynamics and power struggles of the Harrigan empire.

In 'MobLand' Season 2, Conrad and Maeve face escalating threats from both within and outside their criminal organization. Their son, Kevin, is plotting against his father, while Maeve has been grooming Conrad's half-son, Eddie, as her protégé. Adding to the turmoil is the arrival of Boston crime boss Kat McAllister, played by Janet McTeer, and her associate Frankie Cooper.

Brosnan, who plays the patriarch Conrad, described his character as someone who grew up with violence and takes pride in his children's ruthlessness. "He has pride in the vengeance of his boys," Brosnan said, likening Conrad to a pig farmer with a hard past who has found a certain satisfaction in his children's willingness to employ brutality.

Mirren, portraying the cunning Maeve, highlighted the immense creative freedom afforded by their roles, largely attributed to the writing of playwright Jez Butterworth. "It’s so fun to not be restricted," Mirren stated. "I never think about [Maeve’s] motivation for anything. She just goes and does whatever she’s going to do, without any self-consciousness whatsoever."

This sentiment of liberation extends to Brosnan's portrayal of Conrad, particularly in scenes where the character unleashes his rage. Brosnan recalled director Guy Ritchie's advice before filming his first scene in Season 1: "Go Irish; go mad." This instruction allowed Brosnan to tap into a deeper, more volatile aspect of Conrad, which Mirren described as unleashing a "beast" from within the seemingly elegant character.

The actors also expressed appreciation for the collaborative environment fostered by director Guy Ritchie. Brosnan noted that Ritchie creates a unique atmosphere on set, surrounded by a loyal crew, which provides a strong sense of security. He described working with Mirren and the cast as the closest he's come to the experience of live theater, a medium he started his acting career in.

'MobLand' Season 2 continues to explore the intricate relationships and power plays within the Harrigan family as they navigate a landscape fraught with danger and betrayal. New episodes are released Fridays on Paramount+.